Creative Interventions, Preadolescents' Self-Regulation, and Stress Management: A Pilot Study

• In Event: 47.097 - Sheraton Roundtable Session Eight - Grand Centre
  In Roundtable Session: 47.097-6 - Art Studies in Education: Theater, Science, and EFL

Abstract

Two structured creative programs (dance and art) are integrated as interventions into health science research to examine their effects on preadolescents’ self-regulation and measure changes in participants’ stress levels. Adopting an overarching formative methodological framework allowed the research team to systematically evaluate the design of qualitative research situations and quantitative research tools. Psychometric surveys, cortisol hair testing and accelerometers to measure changes in participants’ stress levels as manifested in overeating tendencies and physical activity, they were used to supplement qualitative data collected via observation, video-taping and interviews. A qualitative report on the development of this pilot study will be presented. The study concludes with practical recommendations and a brief discussion of methodological implications.

Authors

• Koon-Hwee Kan, Kent State University

• Ya-Fen WANG, Kent State University - Kent